Michigan Tech Gets Biofuels Grant

Michigan Tech will use new NSF grant to conduct Pan American biofuels/bioenergy sustainability research and education. (Michigan Tech graphic.)

The Sustainable Futures Institute at Michigan Technological University will receive $749,996 from the National Science Foundation to develop a research roadmap on biofuels and bioenergy sustainability in the Pan American region and a graduate course in biofuels and bioenergy sustainability, to be offered over the Internet to partner universities.

The three-year grant is one of 11 nationwide totaling $8 million. It is part of NSF’s Science, Engineering and Education for Sustainability efforts in its Research Coordination Networks program.

“This award continues the long record of sustainability research and education at Michigan Tech and significantly increases the visibility of the University and the Sustainable Futures Institute in international sustainability discussions,” said David Shonnard, Robbins Chair professor in chemical engineering and SFI director.

SFI is leading the preparation of a larger NSF proposal addressing the same topic: Pan American biofuels and bioenergy sustainability.

“A sustainable world is one in which human needs are met without harm to the environment and without sacrificing the ability of future generations to meet their needs,” the NSF said in a news release announcing the awards. “Scientists believe that this formidable task requires a substantial increase in understanding the integrated system of society and the natural world along with the alterations humans are making on Earth. NSF’s SEES activities are addressing this need by supporting interdisciplinary research and education leading to a better understanding of, predictive capability for, and solutions to environmental challenges. The RCN program’s goal is to advance a field or create new directions in research or education. Through these grants, groups of investigators coordinate their research, training and educational activities across disciplinary, organizational, geographic and international boundaries. The program fosters new collaborations, including international partnerships and addresses interdisciplinary topics.”